Medicinal Herbs and Handmade Soaps

Today is a busy day here at Full Circle.  We are still busy preparing for the upcoming Open House and the last minute Christmas rush.  We got some new teas in which include Chocolate Rooibos and Chocolate Oolong Tea.  They are delicious (we couldn't wait and tried some last night).  We'll have to get back to you on our favorite. Haven't decided yet.

We also have some beautiful glycerin soaps that we are working on and some gift baskets. 

The website revamp is still being worked on and some messy details were hopefully worked out today so that it will be up and running in a couple of months.  Seems like a long time but well, you know how it is - eat or do website - the children's belly's usually win!!

We got a call for an open house yesterday so we spent the day getting stuff together and making gift baskets.  Bob called and said he had sold all of the soaps we had sent to New Jersey with him.  They are selling like hotcakes at his work.  They do make a great stocking stuffer and it's that time of year.  Well, all of that means we need to make MORE!!

So the next couple of days will be filled with the sweet smells of herbal soaps wafting through the house.  Yummy!!

Looking forward to it.  Making soap if fun and relaxing and really makes the house smell wonderful.

We have been quite busy here at Full Circle Herbs.
Preparing for the holidays is quite an endeavor.
And preparing for them while also working on rehauling a website is an even bigger endeavor!

We are busy changing the website to reflect our desire to provide you with the information you need to  use herbs effectively for yourself and your family.  We hope that you will benefit from the changes we are making.

Don't forget to remember us for your gift-giving needs.  Soaps make a great and appreciated stocking stuffer.
And herbal remedies are usually needed around holiday times since we are exposed to more germs, worse eating habits, and colder temperatures during that time.

Today I am working on the Home Made Soaps section of the website. 

We hope that the articles and information that is being added will be a source of blessing to you and yours for the years to come.

Have you all been inspired to go out and dig up some dandelion herb?
We had a nice big one out in the garden I had my husband dig up and then I forgot to bring it in so off I am today to find some more.
Some tecnical information about dandelion:
Taraxacum officinale
Compositae Family
Use the whole plant
Leaves are cool and bitter.  Root is bitter, sweet and cool.
Affects the liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder
Lactupicrine, tannin, inulin and a latexlike substance - polysaccharides, and carotene are the biochemical constituents.
Properties include alterative, cholagogue, diuretci, stomachic, aperient, tonic
Dandelion herbs is used for liver problems, urinary tract infections, skin eruptions, stomach pains, breast cancer, berages.
The main benefits of dandelion are in the liver.  It has the capacity to clear obstuctions and stimulate and aid the liver to eliminate toxins from the blood.
The root is also useful for clearing obstuctions of the spleen, pancreas, gallbaldder, bladder and kidneys.  It is of great benefit to the stomach and intestines as well.  To treat stomahaches, drink 1/2 cup of the tea every 30 minutes until you receive relief.

Hepatitis
Even the most serious cases of hepatitis have been rapidly cured with dandelion root tea taken in cupful doses 4-6 times per day along with a diet that is light including vegetalbe broths and rice.

Hypoglycemia
Combined with other tonic herbs such as ginseng it can help hypoglycemia.  A cup of dandelion root tea taken 3 times daily will help.

Dandelion root helps lower blood pressure.
 Now get out there and collect some and view an earlier post on how to preserve your dandelion root.

Green Tea And Weight Loss

By Kathryn ONeill

There's recently been a LOT in the weight loss news concerning green tea.

Green tea's weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew.

But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight.

Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:

1) Green tea revs up your metabolism

A study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism 'boost').

The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).

2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulation

Experts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal. This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.

3) Green tea may help reduce appetite

Scientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.

4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.

We are a nation hooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha, dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.

If you want to save mega-calories in the morning but still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream. You'll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks.

So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects?

Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 - 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year. Pretty good for not exercising or cutting calories, right?

However, 3 - 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, green tea pills or a green tea patch.

Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss:

#1) Green tea is not a magic bullet

While some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, I think the keyword here is balance. You're not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away - it just isn't going to happen. A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off.

#2) Be cautious of the caffeine if you have health problems

For some people that have heart troubles, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea. If you're worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking green tea extract. Most green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine.

If you think the caffeine may be a problem, make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss. Also make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Bottom Line: Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something else besides that high calorie, high sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning. While it's not the magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in weight loss and in your overall health!

Kathryn O'Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews.

For more free weight loss tips and diet reviews, visit http://www.FreeToBeThin.com.

 

Herbal tinctures are a better and faster way to use herbs than herbal tablets. If you are a very busy person and still interested in using herbs, tinctures are the best way to make use of herbs. The bio-availability of tinctures is very high in comparison because unlike pills, tinctures don’t rely on digestion to break them down.  It insures you the ability to get the full spectrum of the needed constituents.

The shelf life for tinctures is around 4 to 6 years.

The most commonly recommended amount to take at one time for herbal tinctures is 20-50 drops or 1-3 dropperfuls. And is best taken under the tongue (sublingually) for the fastest absorption into the blood stream.

 

We currently have a number of tinctures and hope to add more as time goes on and our herb garden grows!

Bubble-Free Gas Tincture

Did you have too many helpings of those beans or broccoli last night? This yummy tincture helps to speed those gas bubbles through your system and decrease GI upset. Can be a life saver! Contains Ginger, Licorice, Fennel, Chamomile, Peppermint, Basil and Catnip in Vodka.

Easy-Doze-It Sleep Tincture
 
Whether you've had too much coffee or just a high-stress day, this wonderful blend of herbs will help ease you into dream-time. Contains Chamomile, Scullcap, Catnip, Hops and Valerian in Brandy.








Kid's Immunity Blend

This herbal glycerine blend supports healthy immune function. It's great to have on hand during cold season, at the start of the school year, or when ever your child needs an extra immunity boost. Made with Vegetable Glycerine, Astragalus Root, Eleuthero Root, Elder Berry, Nettle Leaf, Calendula Flower, Rose Hips, and Ginger Root. Not for children under 1 year of age.












You Might Think It's Funny, But It's Snot

AKA - Children's Respiratory Blend...but how could I not use it's longer name?? A wonderful blend of herbs to support healthy respiratory function and aid in decreasing upper respiratory symptoms. Made with Vegetable Glycerine, Elder Berry, Mullein Leaf, Hyssop Herb, Thyme Leaf, Anise Seed, and Ginger Root. Not for children under 1 year of age.











Some testimonials about our tinctures:

We've been using herbal products from Full Circle Herbs ever since we opened. Our patients LOVE them and keep coming back for more. Full Circle Herbs makes high quality herbal salves and tinctures that really work. Thanks for the great work, Full Circle Herbs. -Patrick Hanaway, M.D.

I'm impressed by the effectiveness of several of Full Circle Herb's products. I'm lactose intolerant, and Bubble Free is a life saver when I stray from the path.

-T. C To order our tinctures on line please visit:

www.fullcirclherbs.com/index.php?mode=catalog&current=Tinctures%20%26%20Glycerites

Soaps are alkaline chemicals (pH 9-10) that remove oils and foreign bodies (dirt) from the skin.
Full Circle Herbs handcrafted lye soaps are a gentle, natural alternative to commercial skin care.
Herbal soaps are a wonderful way to benefit from the healing properties of herbs. Our soaps are designed to give you a skin nourishing bathing experience.
 All of our soaps are completely handcrafted, eco-friendly, cold process soaps, made in small batches using the highest quality ingredients. They are meant to be used, not left on display!
 Unlike commercial soaps, all of the ingredients in our handcrafted soaps are 100% natural and beneficial to the body and the skin.
It is important to know that our soaps are produced, cut and wrapped by hand.  Because of this, they are not all uniform in shape or color.  Also the color may vary from order to order.

All of this means only the best for you!

Here is an example of one of the soaps we have that is definately a favorite!

The Tingler Soap

Love this soap! Let me repeat that - Absolutely LOVE this soap! Revitalizing and energizing, the Peppermint essential oil leaves a wonderfully cooling tingle (on the skin and the senses) while the poppy seeds gently exfoliate. Made with Olive Oil, Water, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Cocoa Butter, Peppermint Essential Oil, Poppy Seeds, and Grapefruit Seed Extract.




www.fullcircleherbs.com

Here is an article I read recently that I thought was very interesting.  Hope you will enjoy it too.

By Beverly Terhune

Herbs that Do Better as Pills

Oil of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

The principal active ingredient in eucalyptus oil is "eucalyptol" which has strong germicidal and disinfectant properties. Applying oil of Eucalyptus to cuts and scrapes will kill germs and speed up the healing process. It also functions as a diuretic, lowers blood sugar and helps to relieve coughs and fevers. Often used in vaporizers and the main ingredient in chest rubs, Eucalyptus oil breaks up congestion and helps relieve major upper respiratory symptoms. Eucalyptus oil is an effective analgesic and is often used in preparations designed to relieve muscle, nerve and joint pains. Psychologically, it helps to combat exhaustion and dispels mental sluggishness. Eucalyptus oil should always be diluted before applying it topically or ingesting it; always follow package instructions.

To make a steam inhalation solution, add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to a pan of water or vaporizer.

Oil of Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Studies show that Oil of Oregano works to fight infections, thanks to two powerful compounds in the plant, thymol and carvacrol. Oil of Oregano is used primarily for upper respiratory infections. It is best for short-term, low grade problems like coughs and colds, but if you don't feel better after several days or develop a high fever, you should consult a doctor. Oil of oregano also helps to ward off infections and the flu bug. Oil of Oregano is wonderful for killing yeast infections. Depending on your weight and severity of your symptoms, doses range from 5 drops twice a day to 10 drops 4 times a day in 4 ounces of water. Oil of Oregano is a strong herb; it will burn your mouth and lips, if not diluted. Thankfully, the burning sensation wears off quickly.

Peppermint Oil (Mentha x piperita)

You would be hard pressed to find a better stomach calming herb than peppermint. Peppermint Oil is very effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. For run-of-the mill upset stomach, plain old peppermint tea can help. To treat IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) take 0.2 milliliters of peppermint essential oil one to three times a day with water and before meals. Peppermint will cause heartburn and worsen acid reflux in some people. If you experience either of these problems, stop taking the herb.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage has long been thought of as a brain booster. Sage has recently been used to treat memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Sage is also a classic remedy for sore throats because of its antiseptic action. The suggested dosage for Alzheimer's patients is 30 drops of the liquid extract two to three times a day. For sore throats, try some sage tea or gargle with a very much diluted solution of the liquid (10 to 20 drops) dissolved in a cup of warm water.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

This staple of Indian cooking is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Turmeric can help ease inflammatory conditions, such as tendinitis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike other spice-rack staples, you can get a therapeutic dose of turmeric from food; all you need is a pinch per serving. However, many people do not like the pungent, bitter taste. In supplement form, the suggested dose is 4 grams of turmeric daily. Because powered turmeric is a powerful blood-cleansing herb, use it sparingly.

As with any vitamin or supplement, please consult your doctor before taking.

Author Beverly Terhune speaks from 35 years of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and shares her experience, strength & hope on how to lead a healthy, substance-free life.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

May your life be Happy, Joyous, & Free.

Beverly Terhune

I would like to share an article I found that I thought was interesting.

Natural Medicine And Herbs - Economical Home Cures And Beauty Aids

By Polly Priester

I'm going through my kitchen right now to see what organic body products I can come up with. My eyes are really tired so I cut two slices of fresh cucumber and press over each eye. Boy is that refreshing!

Chamomile in natural herb form or in tea bags is a great natural medicine Once, I suffered from eye secretion. I headed straight for the kitchen and found chamomile as a herbal supplement. I immersed chamomile tea bags in boiling water, let them cool, applied one to each eye, (never use the same tea bag on both eyes so as not to re-infect), and finally gently wiped the secretion brushing from the inner corner of the eye towards the outer . After a couple of applications of this home remedy the secretion was completely cleared up!

Chamomile is also great for removing pus from pimples. Peering into the mirror, my daughter wailed, "Oh, mom, I have this horrible pussy pimple on my face." No problem. After pressing a chamomile tea bag that had been immersed in boiling water to the pimple a couple of times, voilà, the pimple burst and out came the pus to be wiped away with a ball of sterile cotton batten.

And how's about avocado? I scoop this home cure and beauty treatment out of its peel, mash it up, and gently rub it on my face and around my fingernails for softness and skin nourishment. Natural medicines, home cures, and beauty aids are definitely my idea of fun and economical too!

Just thought I would share a little about some of our teas here as an interlude (I'm not done with Dr. Dandelion yet!)

Our Blossoming Belly tea is highly recommended during pregnancy.  It is never too late to start drinking this tea. 

Did you know that your body during pregnancy will need the necessary nutrients to create the cells needed to form two extra pounds of uterine muscle, the nerves, bones, organs, muscles, glands and skin of the fetus, several pounds of amniotic fluid, a placenta and a 50 percent increase in blood volume?  In addition, extra kidney and liver cells are needed to process the waste of two.

That is where our tea comes into play.

The Nettles are reputed to have more chlorophyll than any other herb. The list of vitamins and minerals in this herb includes nearly every one known to necessary for human health and growth.  These nutrients help ease leg cramps and spasms, diminish pain during and after birth, prevent hemorrhage after birth due to the super source of vitamin K, reduces hemorrhoids, increases richness and flow of breast milk.

The red raspberry leaves brewed as a tea or as an infusion are the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. They contain fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself.  They are particularly rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and an easily assimilated form of calcium and iron.  They also contain vitamin A and the B complex vitamins, phosphorous and potassium, as well as many other minerals.

Oatstraw is high in calcium, wards off yeast infections during pregnancy and calms nervous tension.

Lemon balm is also a calming herb and can help especially if used the last trimester to help eliminate post partum depression.

Spearmint helps eliminate the nausea and vomiting often associated with pregnancy and just plain adds a pleasant taste to the tea.

Benefits of drinking our tea during pregnancy include:

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage.

~ Easing of morning sickness.

~ Reducing pain during labor and after birth. 

Our Nursing Mother's Herbal Tea is a tasty blend created to help the nursing mother gently increase and maintain her milk flow. It also  includes several herbs to help decrease gas and stomach upset in the baby, tone the uterine mucscles as they recover and calm the nerves.

Try to drink 3-4 cups throughout the day. Because new moms don't have a lot of free time, try brewing a quart for the day and keep in the refrigerator. The tea will keep for 24 hours: reheated or drink cold.

Fibromyalgia is a relatively common condition that affects about 4% of the population. Doctors have recently found, and believe, that Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS) are related, due to the fact that so many of their symptoms overlap. Approximately 70% of people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia meet all the diagnostic criteria of CFS. The only difference in diagnostic criteria is that Fibromyalgia has musculoskeletal pain whereby Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has fatigue.

Researchers believe that Fibromyalgia may be in response to stress, lack of sleep, an injury or infection, or another trauma or disease, and your muscles begin to ache. Pain might develop gradually and affect a wide area, or it may come on suddenly and sharply in specific areas. You might feel burning, stiffness, shooting pain, or an overall throbbing sensation. The soreness can center on the shoulders, the hip or upper thigh muscles, or the elbows and knees.

Perhaps fibromyalgia's most distinguished feature is that the aches are often accompanied by depression, anxiety, fatigue, or an inability to sleep. The sleep disturbtances are also known as non-restorative sleep - you may be able to drop off, but when you awaken you don't feel rested. In many cases, you may even feel more fatigued.

Although Fibromyalgia has many facets, the central cause of the pain of this ailment is a low level of serotonin. Chronic low levels of serotonin cause the sensation of pain to be greatly exaggerated. The primary treatment goals in fibromyalgia, in addition to those listed in my article on Chronic Fatigue Syn-drome, are to raise serotonin levels, improve sleep quality, and assure adequate magnesium levels.

Symptoms of fibromyalgia may worsen during periods of stress, over exertion, trauma, extreme temperature, infection, or emotional crisis. This disorder is not dangerous or life-threatening, but it can be very disruptive. Researchers theorize that lifestyle or dietary factors may play a role. But theories are all that are available so far; no one yet knows what causes this disease....

HERBAL REMEDIES -

* Grapeseed Extract - From the seeds of wine grapes come powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory compounds called "procyanidins" . They've been used to treat everything from varicose veins to poor night vision. For people with Fibromyalgia, these compounds help to inhibit the inflammatory response, the chemical reactions responsible for pain and soreness. Typical dosage: 50 to 300mg of oligomeric procyanidins (OPC's) per day. You may want to start with a higher dose to saturate cells and then taper down to a lower dose.

* Devil's Claw - The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb make it a favorite for fibromyalgia. It also boosts digestion, helping your body absorb nutrients better, which improves overall health. Typical dosage: 200 to 800mg per day of a root extract containing 1.5% harpagoside content. ******CAUTION****** Do not use Devil's Claw if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers, or if you're pregnant or nursing. If you have heart disease, use the herb only under a doctor's supervision.

* White Willow Bark - This bark has been used for over a thousand years to  relieve pain. Salicin, aspirin's forerunner, is white willow's active constituent. Apart from it's ability to ease pain, salicin reduces inflammation, but unlike aspirin, it will not thin the blood or irritate the stomach. Typical dosage: up to six 400mg capsules per day; or 3 cups of tea per day (steep 1/2 to 1 tsp of powdered bark in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

* Ginkgo - This medicinal herb brings more oxygen to muscle cells when they're under stress. Ginkgo is also a powerful antioxidant. Typical dosage: 60 to 180mg per day of product standardized to 24% flavone glycosides.

* St.-John's-Wort - This herb is famous for easing mild to moderate depression, it can also help to treat sleep disorders. It is especially good at promoting longer periods of deep sleep, which is exactly what people with Fibromyalgia need most. Typical dosage: up to 900mg of an extract containing 0.3% hypericin per day, in divided doses.*****CAUTION***** If you are already taking other anti-depressants, consult your doctor before beginning to take St.-John's-Wort. May cause increased skin reactions to sun exposure.

Written By: Marilyn L. Ali 

To View this article in it's entirety please visit: community.adlandpro.com/forums/thread/407663.aspx

 

Nowadays people in general are looking for alternative ways to self improvement and well being. The funniest thing however is that one of the most popular alternative methods has been around since the beginning of time. So what we consider an alternative method is quite far from it.  Herbs, one of the oldest remedies for curing countless problems that mankind has had is now truly becoming popular once again. Whether we suffer from headaches, bad stomachs or even sexual problems, there always seems to be some type of herbal remedy out there that can solve it. Not everything that herbs can achieve is good however. It is because of this that a good percentage of the human population feel that all herbs are either dangerous or superstitions. Unfortunately things do not get better when opportunists promise you the world with their special remedies. I think in time however, if we all try to educate ourselves a little more on the subject of herbs, more and more people will realise just how wonderful herbs can actually be when used in the correct manner. More education to the general public with a strong growth in popularity will ensure that herbs reclaim their rightful place on this planet once again. Until then, people must be careful of those opportunists out there that aim only to fill their pockets with money and have little regard for what true power actually lies within herbs. If only they knew what they are missing. By Paul Ghossain http://www.multisect.com/

Tip! Herbal products are derived from botanical sources. There are many common herbs that have healing properties which you may not even know about. Ask the average American to define herbs and he or she will tell you that herbs are green leaves that have some medicinal properties. Some may even add that herbs like Thyme and Sage are used for cooking. This is how most people define herbs; which is quite good knowledge considering that most folks are ambivalent about the actual use of herbs in their own lives. A herb (the word rhymes with ‘curb') is a plant that is grown for medicinal or culinary value. Typically, the green leafy part of the herb is used, occasionally roots also are put to use. A culinary herb is non-woody and soft. Used for their aromatic flavor and texture, culinary herbs include bay leaf, basil, chervil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme. The world of medicinal herbs is even more diverse and surprising. Even the most innocuous looking leaf blade may possess a treasure trove of medicinal properties. A medicinal herb is generally a shrub or other woody plant used for therapeutic purposes. Herbalism or Phytotherapy is the practice of folk or traditional medicine that aims to cure “dis-eases” in the body using plants and the active constituents found within them. This resurgence of interest in herbs was brought about by various systems of holistic healing. Now, more than ever before, people are beginning to realize that good health does not refer to an absence of disease. Rather, it is a balance of physical, mental, emotional and social wellness. Herbal health care is becoming increasingly popular because herbs provide natural stimulants that activate the body's own defense mechanisms. When orthodox medicine took over the reins of mainstream health care, herbs and their medicinal values got relegated to the background. One reason could be the problem of availability. Another more important reason is that unlike a pill or a tonic, herbs usually take more time to bring about an effect. Due to our sedentary lifestyle, processed foods and industrial advances, we have managed to discover a large number of chronic illnesses that were virtually unknown in the past. Medicines used to treat these diseases have side effects. In time, these medicines also become ineffective as the human body develops a resistance to the medicine. After battling it out for many years, practitioners of conventional medicine are finally willing to admit that herbal extracts are an effective source of healing. Herbal medicines provide a healing system that is in tune with nature. The medicines are characterized by simplicity, depth and effectiveness. They are cost effective too. Absence of side effects also greatly enhances their allure. Some interesting uses of herbs are: - Chamomile tea sipped slowly throughout the day helps decrease acidity and soothes the digestive system - Alfalfa is a highly nutritious herb as it is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. - Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia. - Two fresh garlic cloves taken at night increases ones resistance to flu and colds. - Feverfew is a herb that if taken consistently, effectively reduces the frequency of migraines. Herbs, like any drug, bring about a physiological change in the body. If taken continuously for prolonged periods, they may affect the body's natural ability to heal. The aim of herbs is to bring the body back into ‘balance' so that there is no longer any need for medicine. Herbal medicines may not be the best, pure or only form of medicine. Indeed, it should be used as a complementary medicine that helps doctors achieve the most important goal of all - that of total cure in the easiest, most effective and shortest route.

It seems we are getting a little more proficient with our soapmaking.  Patricia and I were able to get four different herbal soaps made the other day.  It seems the soaps are very popular with our dear customers.
We made some more Tingler, Coffee, Victorian Garden, and some Garden Scrub soap.
They smell so wonderful and look beautiful and as usual, good enough to eat!
Herbs really are a blessing so we try to use them as much as possible in our lives and we hope that you will too!

It's the time of year to put our herbs to rest for the winter.  A few are still hanging in there and that's great.  We are cutting them and bringing them in to dry and make herbal vinegars,etc.
Some, like basil, rosemary, sage, parsley, we leave some in the garden and pot some to bring in for fresh herbs during the winter. 
To do that we dig the herbs up and pot them and then leave them outside for a few days so that they don't get too shocked coming inside.  Once the herbs have had time to adjust then we will bring them in and enjoy them all winter.
Those that are being left behind we are covering with a mulch of hay.  This will protect them for the winter and also allow those amazing creatures - earthworms to a good environment to do their work.
The winter crops are growing nicely and we sure will look forward to enjoying them during the winter months.
Herbs really take good care of us if we take good care of them.  Enjoy!

It is the time of year to clean up the garden and prepare it for winter.  This is a sad task really, at least for me, because I love the warm weather and hate to see it come to an end.  And unfortunately for me this year my garden didn't do well and went to the weeds so to speak.  However as I think about preparing to undo the weed damage it saddens me a little because the weeds grow so well there it seems a shame to dispose of them.  They are quite pretty and about 1/3 of them have beneficial uses.  However, an herb growing in the wrong place is really just a weed and has to be treated as such, I suppose.  I went out today and picked a number of them to make a bouquet.  The amaranth is just beautiful and actually the leaves when young are quite nutritious to eat as are the seed.  Then there was the golden rod which blends beautifully colorwise with the amaranth herb.  Add a few gloriosa daisys growing out in the field, some queen anne's lace, a big beautiful caster bean leaf and a few things I don't know what they are and it makes for a stunning display.
It never ceases to amaze me how herbs add to the quality of my life.  I wish that I could impart to you just how much your life would improve if you would add herbs to it just a little at a time.  You will find yourself being drawn in as I have, I am sure. 
Herbs are beneficial, mysterious, beautiful, life giving, and nutritious.  What more could anyone want from what the world has to offer?